With April comes the beginning of the new financial year and with it the cost of many major bills rises. New rates are established for services ranging from council tax to water bills whilst essentials such as mobile phone and broadband bills also often automatically rise.

But knowing the increases are on their way it doesn’t make it any easier with the additional costs placing an ever-increasing burden on people’s wallets. However there are some things people can do to reduce the costs – and there might be help available to even lower some of them.

Consumer champions Which? have compiled a list of eight bills which are set to change next month alongside some guidance on what you can do, reports the Mirror. This is what they say.

Council tax

What’s changing

Council tax will increase for most households from April, with many councils raising bills by the maximum 4.99% This includes a 2.99% increase for general services and a 2% adult social care precept.

Some local authorities have proposed higher increases with North Somerset and Shropshire both putting forward rises of 8.99%, whilst Worcester is proposing 8.98%.

In Scotland, where there is no cap on increases, residents are expected to see higher rises on average, and in Wales increases range from 3.75% in Blaenau Gwent to 5.5% in the Vale of Glamorgan. Northern Ireland, which uses a domestic rates system, has confirmed rises ranging from 1.96% in Fermanagh and Omagh to 4.5% in Ards and North Down.

Ruby Flanagan, Which? tax writer suggests there are some people who might be eligible for a discount. She recommends: “Check whether you qualify for a discount – like the 25% single-person reduction – or for other support for low-income households, students or people with disabilities.

“If you’re struggling to budget, ask your council to spread the bill over 12 months instead of 10. This brings down your monthly payments, making things a little easier to manage.”

Energy bills

What’s changing

This one could be positive news for households as the annual energy bill for a typical household is set to decrease by £117 from April, 1, 2026, following a reduction in the Ofgem price cap. This will lower the average annual bill for households on standard variable tariffs from £1,758 to £1,641 .

However, whilst the price cap only applies to those on standard variable tariffs, all households, including those on fixed deals, should still see some savings from next month due to changes in government policy cost, with some environmental scheme charges being removed from bills.

But further pressure is likely as the current conflict in the Middle East is expected to drive wholesale gas prices higher, with predictions suggesting that the price cap could increase by around 10% in July, taking a typical bill to approximately £1,801. Heating oil, popular in Northern Ireland, has already risen since the start of the conflict.

Sarah Ingrams, Which? energy expert, says despite it not being a good time to be on a variable tariff as bills are likely to increase from July there are limited fixed tariffs currently available that are likely to save households money. She advised: “Don’t panic and fix for peace of mind on a tariff that’s too expensive.

“Instead, compare and see what’s available and whether it’s similar to or cheaper than the April price cap. When you compare, check whether any quotes you get take into account the cuts in government scheme costs from 1 April to make sure you’re comparing like-for-like.”

Broadband bills

What’s changing

Broadband customers are likely to witness their bills increase in April owing to mid-contract price rises written into most deals. The scale of the rise depends on the provider and when the contract was taken out.

Those out of contract can leave without penalty and might be able to secure a better deal. Which? has a broadband comparison service to help you determine which provider to switch to.

Yvette Flecter Which? broadband expert says: “The first thing I tell people to check is whether they are out of contract. Millions are – if you’re included, you’re probably already paying an unnecessary premium for your deal.

“But you also have the most power – you can move to a new provider at any time, plus you’re likely to save money as a result. If you’re a Sky broadband customer facing a price rise, you should also be given the right to exit without penalty.”

Mobile phone bills

What’s changing

Numerous mobile phone tariffs typically feature mid-contract price increases built into agreements, designed to cover upgrades and operational costs. Those wishing to terminate a contract prematurely will need to settle an exit fee, which generally accounts for the outstanding months of your deal.

Nevertheless, this may prove worthwhile if a fresh package offers significantly better value, as the prolonged savings could justify making the switch.

Adam Snook, Which? mobile network writer, says: “EE, O2, Vodafone and Three all increase customers’ prices every April. The best way to avoid this is to use a smaller network like Talkmobile, Lebara, Smarty or Giffgaff.”

He explains that with smaller providers, customers can opt for flexible one-month Sim-only arrangements which facilitate straightforward switching, or alternatively select extended contracts without mid-term price hikes. He advises: “If you’re unsure about your current situation, text INFO for free to 85075, and you’ll get a text back detailing if you’re out of contract or if any early termination fees would apply to leaving your network.”

Water bills

What’s changing

Average water bills in England and Wales will rise by 5.4% on April 1, taking the typical annual bill to £639. Southern Water customers will pay the highest average bill, at £759.

People living in Scotland will see bills increase by an average of £42 (8.7%), bringing the typical charge to £532. For households on a meter, higher unit rates will increase costs depending on usage.

However around 2.5m households are eligible for social tariffs, offering average discounts of 40%.

Hannah Downes, Which? consumer rights expert, suggests switching to a water meter might save money for some households, whilst those living alone can benefit from being placed onto a fixed single-occupier tariff.

She added: “Water companies also offer social tariffs and debt support schemes for those who are on a low income or haven’t been able to keep on top of payments. Contact your provider to see how it can help.

“Consider making some simple lifestyle changes too; you can reduce your water use by fixing dripping taps, swapping baths for showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and using watering cans instead of hosepipes.”

Also rising in April is car tax – or Vehicle Excise Duty. From the start of the month standard VED will rise with inflation. The flat annual rate for cars registered after April 2017 will increase from £195 to £200, and applies to all fuel types, including electric vehicles, which lost their tax-free status in April 2025. Vehicles with a list price exceeding £40,000 must additionally pay a £440 ‘luxury’ annual supplement for five years, taking the total to £640. However, following the Autumn Budget 2025, the threshold for electric vehicles has risen to £50,000, meaning fewer EV owners will be impacted. For those paying monthly, the total annual cost increases to £210, owing to a 5% surcharge.

Dino Buratti, Which? cars writer, suggests that the most economical cars to tax are typically “older, low-emission petrol or diesel cars” first registered before April 1, 2017. He says the majority of cars registered from that date are liable for the same amount of tax. He adds: “Avoiding cars with a list price over £40,000 that are up to six years old will save you more each year in tax. You can also pay car tax in monthly instalments, although this is generally more expensive than making a one-off annual payment.”

TV licence cost

What’s changing

The annual TV licence fee will rise on April 1 from £174.50 to £180. A licence is required to watch live TV on any channel or streaming service, or to use BBC iPlayer.

However you don’t need one if you only watch on-demand services such as Netflix, Disney+ or YouTube, unless you’re watching live broadcasts such as a football match. But not having one and watching live shows is a criminal offence and can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 plus court costs.

Whilst most people have limited options, Holly Lanyon, Which? pensions writer, notes that certain individuals can obtain a licence without charge. This applies to those aged 75 or above who receive pension credit, or reside with a partner who does. The complimentary licence encompasses everyone living at your address and can be requested to commence from your 75th birthday.

Postal charges are scheduled to rise from April 7, 2026, when a first-class standard stamp will climb by 10p to £1.80, whilst a second-class standard stamp will go up by 4p to 91p.

First class large letter stamps will jump by 15p from £3.15 to £3.30 whilst second class large letter stamps stay at £1.55. Costs for sending parcels and utilising services such as ‘Signed For’ and ‘Special Delivery’ will also rise.

Reena Sewraz, Senior retail and money editor, suggests purchasing stamps beforehand prior to the new pricing taking effect. She says: “As long as the stamp just states the postage class, it will still be valid even after prices go up. I usually get a couple of standard first-class eight- packs, but this year I’m going to buy some second-class stamps too, as they’re around half the price, so you get more for your money.”